Former Air Force intelligence officer charged with spying for Iran and revealing defense secrets

Wednesday, 13 February 2019 12:53

Federal prosecutors revealed charges on Wednesday that a former Air Force intelligence officer had revealed defense secrets and the identity of at least one U.S. intelligence officer to the Iranian government.

Monica E. Witt was named in an indictment unsealed Wednesday, which also charged four Iranian nationals who prosecutors alleged were involved in cyber operations against her former U.S. military colleagues. Witt is charged with espionage, conspiracy and other crimes.

Federal authorities said that Witt defected to Iran in 2013, and allegedly provided the government with sensitive defense information and the identity of at least one U.S. intelligence officer. Before boarding her flight to Tehran, prosecutors said, she typed an email to an associate saying: "I'm signing off and heading out! Coming home." She closed with a smile emoji.